Minister Payne Visits Bomana to Commemorate Battle of Milne Bay 75 Years Later

Minister for Defence, Senator the Hon Marise Payne, travelled to Papua New Guinea from 31 August to 1 September 2017, to discuss Australia’s strong bilateral defence relationship and mutual interest in regional stability with the new Papua New Guinea Government.

During the trip Minister Payne met with the Commander of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force, Brigadier General Gilbert Toropo CB.

In a media release, Minister Payne said “Australia enjoys a strong and mutually beneficial defence partnership with Papua New Guinea, reflecting the historical depth of our friendship and bilateral relationship,”

“This visit is an important opportunity to discuss a range of shared interests including maritime security and Australia’s commitment to support Papua New Guinea to host a safe and secure APEC in 2018.”

During the visit, Minister Payne laid a wreath at Bomana War Cemetery in recognition of the 75th Anniversary of the WWII Pacific Campaign to honour those Australians and Papua New Guineans who lost their lives.